Parkinson’s disease is a chronic movement ailment involving the abnormal function and slow death of neurons and other vital nerve cells in the brain. This disease is a progressive disorder, meaning it worsens over time. The cause and cure of Parkinson’s disease aren’t clear yet, but some medications help manage this disease.

Parkinson’s disease mainly affects the part of the brain known as the substantia nigra. When the neurons begin to malfunction or die, there is a production of dopamine, a chemical that sends messages and information to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. As the Parkinson’s disease progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, eventually leaving a person unable to control their movement. This makes it difficult or even impossible for them to function on their own.

Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease

It isn’t easy to tell the signs of Parkinson’s disease during the early stages. However, here’s a list of the symptoms that are common among most people who have Parkinson’s disease.

• Tremor Or Shaking
  You can experience a light shaking or tremor in your lip, eyelids, finger, thumb, hand, your leg when relaxing or sitting down. There can also be twitching of your limbs. All of these are common signs of Parkinson’s disease. However, these are also symptoms of weakness, which are normal after a vigorous exercise routine or injury. Sometimes shaking can also be a side effect of some medicines. If you’re unsure, visit a doctor.

• Loss Of Olfactory sense
  Loss of the olfactory sense, or smell, is another common and early indicator of Parkinson’s disease. You will find it difficult to pick up the smell of the foods you eat or your favorite perfume.
  Since your olfactory sense plays a vital role in the taste of food, you will find that your sense of taste deteriorates as well. You should be aware that the common cold and flu can cause loss of smell and taste for a brief time as well, so this symptom alone doesn’t mean that you have Parkinson’s disease.

• Trouble In Movement
  Stiffness in your body, legs, and arms which don’t go away even as you flex and move or pain in your shoulders and hips are signs of Parkinson’s disease. A feeling of your feet being “stuck to the floor” is common as well.

• Changes In Speech
  Problems related to speech are a common and sure sign of Parkinson’s disease. Speech becomes blurry and muddled. You tend to hesitate before speaking, and instead of your usual inflections, you might speak in monotones.

• Difficulty In Writing
  You will find it difficult to write and engage in other fine motor movements. Your writing might become small, and activities like knitting can become extremely hard or even impossible.

• Changes In Posture
  You might end up hunching or have an unusual posture. Parkinson’s disease also causes imbalance and inability to coordinate bodily movements.

• Loss Of Control Over Automatic Movements
  If you have Parkinson’s disease, you’ll have a decreased ability to control or complete loss of automatic and involuntary movements like blinking, swinging your arms when you walk and even smiling.

The Stages Of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease stages aren’t the same for everyone, and not necessarily in the same order either. Also, some stages are more intense for some people and the opposite of others. The symptoms and progressions differ from person to person, and many factors like age, physical conditions, and lifestyles also have to be taken into account. They’re responsible for the manifestation of different Parkinson’s disease stages. Here’s a list of the stages that are most common to most people who have Parkinson’s disease:

Stage One
Stage one marks the onset of Parkinson’s disease. Most mild symptoms in this stage don’t affect your day to day activities as much. Mild tremors and shaking occur in some parts of your body, mostly only on one side. You will also notice slight changes in some movements like walking and facial expressions.

Stage Two
At this stage, the symptoms become more evident. The tremor and shaking of your limbs and other parts begin to affect both the sides of the body. At stage two, you can still function on your own, but someday to day tasks may take longer and become difficult.

Stage Three
This stage is considered to be the middle stage in Parkinson’s disease. Falling and tripping become common. Your day to day activities are significantly impaired, so much that you cannot function without constant supervision.

Stage Four
During stage four of Parkinson’s disease, the symptoms become limited and severe. You might require someone to help you to walk. At this phase, it is impossible to live alone. Movement is extremely challenging, and loss of balance is definite and a regular occurrence.

Stage Five
Stage five is the most advanced stage of Parkinson’s disease. You will find it impossible to stand or walk, thanks to the stiffness in the legs and entire body. At this juncture, a wheelchair is required to move around, and you will mostly be bedridden. You may also experience delusions and hallucinations. Constant care and supervision are required once the fifth stage of Parkinson’s is reached.

Be sure to watch out for the symptoms mentioned above to avoid the deadly repercussions of this disease.